China’s official statements on the conflict have not specifically named Hamas in condemnation of the violence, which has drawn criticism from some Western officials who say they are too weak.
China’s special envoy Zhai Jun will visit the Middle East next week to push for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and promote peace talks, the country’s state broadcaster CCTV said on Sunday.
“To coordinate with various parties to achieve a ceasefire, protect civilians, de-escalate the situation and promote peace talks next week,” CCTV said in a video posted on its official social media account on Sunday. Will visit the Middle East.”
According to the broadcaster, Zhai said in an interview with CCTV that “the possibility (of the conflict) becoming more widespread and spreading out is extremely worrying”.
According to a Foreign Ministry statement, Zhai met with Arab League representatives in China on Friday and said Beijing supports the regional group “in playing an important role on the Palestine issue.”
He told the bloc that Beijing would “make sustained efforts to get the Middle East peace process back on track,” the statement said.